Tractor Serial Number Table- __hot__ | International Harvester

International Harvester tractor serial numbers are used to identify the specific manufacturing year of a machine. These lists typically show the starting serial number for each year; if your number falls between two listed starting points, it belongs to the earlier year. Finding Your Serial Number

The serial number is usually stamped into an aluminum or brass plate located in the following areas:

Farmall Models: Typically on the right side of the clutch housing or the steering gear housing.

International Models: Often found on the left side of the engine block or frame.

Engine Numbers: A separate engine serial number is often stamped directly into the cylinder block, usually above the oil filler tube. Serial Number Reference Tables

Below are sample starting serial numbers for popular International Harvester series. For a comprehensive list, you can reference the full International Harvester Serial Number PDF. Farmall H & HV (Prefix "FBH") Year Starting Serial Number Farmall M, MV, MD (Prefix "FBK") Year Starting Serial Number International Cub Year Serial Number Range 501 – 11347 11348 – 57830 99536 – 121453 Additional Resources

Database: TractorData provides model-specific data pages including serial number breakdowns.

Official Records: The Wisconsin Historical Society holds digitized production records for tractors made between 1911 and 1944.

Replacement Parts: Sites like Bates Corp and Anglo Agriparts provide charts to help identify parts based on these numbers.

Do you have a specific serial number or model you're trying to identify? Serial Numbers

International Harvester (IH) used several serial number systems over its history, typically utilizing a starting serial number

for the first tractor produced each year. Identifying your tractor involves finding the identification plate, which is often located on the steering gear housing, transmission, or seat support. TM Tractor Parts Common IH & Farmall Serial Number Tables

Below are the starting serial numbers for several popular historical models. Most lists indicate the starting number for that calendar year. Farmall Cub (1947–1954) TM Tractor Parts table shows the serial ranges for early Cubs: TM Tractor Parts : 501 – 11347 : 11348 – 57830 : 57831 – 99535 : 99536 – 121453 : 121454 – 144454 : 144455 – 162283 : 162284 – 179411 : 179412 – 186440 Early Case International Models According to Anglo Agriparts , starting numbers for early 20th-century models were: Anglo Agriparts Case 10-18 Case 12-25 Case 12-20 British-Built IH Models (B-Series)

provides starting numbers for various English-built tractors: Svenska IH-klubben B-275 (1958–1962) : Started at 501 (1958) up to 29646 (1962). B-414 (1961–1966) : Started at 501 (1961) up to 28791 (1970). B-450 (1959–1963) : Started at 501 (1959) up to 8041 (1964). How to Decode Later Serial Numbers In the late 1960s, IH adopted a system found on the identification tag: Kind (First 3 digits)

: Identifies the chassis or machine type (e.g., "259" for an IH 5488). Code (Next 3 digits) : Specifies the configuration or trim. Country (Letter) : "U" typically stands for the United States. Actual Serial (Last digits)

: This is the unique production number for your specific machine. Where to Find the Number

If you cannot find the main tag, look for these alternative markings: Engine Block International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-

: A serial number is often stamped on a machined flat surface above the oil filler or near the #1 spark plug. Casting Dates

: Dates cast into individual iron parts (like the transmission housing) can help narrow down the manufacture month and year. TM Tractor Parts Further Exploration

Access a comprehensive digital archive of IH production records and serial number lists at the McCormick-International Harvester Collection

Identify specific part numbers and model configurations for older Farmall units on the TM Tractor Parts ID Guide

Discuss specific serial number locations with other enthusiasts on the Red Power Magazine forums What is the model name prefix letters found on your tractor's serial number plate? Serial number list - Technical IH Talk - Red Power Magazine

Here’s a content piece titled “International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table: A Collector’s Guide to Dating Your Red Iron.” It’s structured for a blog post, owner’s manual appendix, or club newsletter.


How to Use This Table

  1. Find your tractor’s serial number.
  2. Locate your model below.
  3. Match your number to the range.
  4. The year listed indicates end of production for that range (most IH serial numbers are sequential).

Unlocking History: Your Guide to International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Tables

If you’ve ever bought an old piece of iron, stood in a field looking at a potential purchase, or tried to order the right parts for a restoration, you know the feeling. You look at the tractor, you see the model badge, but you need to know exactly what you have.

Is it a 1949 Farmall H or a 1951? Is that a "Early" 404 or a "Late" model? The answers all lie in one place: the serial number.

Welcome to the International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table guide. Below, we break down how to find your number, how to read the table, and why it matters.

4. Special Models & Note on Cub Serial Numbers

The Farmall Cub (1947–1979) and International Cub (utility version) have their own serial tables:

Prefixes: FCUB = Farmall Cub, IHC = International Cub loboy/utility.


F. 86 Series (1976–1981) – Cab tractors

| Model | Serial Start | Serial End | Year | |-------|-------------|------------|------| | 786 | 1 | 5466 | 1979-1981 | | 886 | 1 | 15623 | 1976-1981 | | 986 | 1 | 12098 | 1976-1981 | | 1086 | 1 | 35828 | 1976-1981 | | 1486 | 1 | 17673 | 1976-1981 | | 1586 | 1 | 10815 | 1976-1981 |

Special Case: The “Super” and “Smith-Diesel” Years


Why Does It Matter?


The Number Series (The "Red Power" Era)

| Model | Production Years | Starting Serial # | Ending Serial # | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Farmall 140 | 1958-1973 | 501 | 84,697 | | Farmall 240 | 1958-1963 | 501 | 26,500 | | Farmall 460 | 1958-1963 | 501 | 46,989 | | Farmall 560 | 1958-1963 | 501 | 74,590 | | Farmall 656 | 1965-1973 | 501 | 46,127 | | Farmall 706 |

Unlocking the History of Your International Harvester: The Serial Number Guide

If you’ve recently acquired an old International Harvester (IH) or Farmall tractor, or you’re looking to restore a family heirloom, the first thing you need is its "birth certificate"—the serial number. Unlike modern cars with standard VINs, vintage tractors use unique serial numbers to pinpoint their exact year of manufacture and factory origin. Where to Find Your Serial Number

Before you can use a lookup table, you have to find the physical plate. Most IH tractors have an aluminum serial number plate stamped and riveted to the machine. Common locations include: TM Tractor Parts Right Side Steering Housing: International Harvester tractor serial numbers are used to

Many common models, like the International Cub, have the plate on the right side of the steering gear housing. Transmission or Clutch Housing:

For larger models like the IH 300 or the "H" and "M" series, look on the transmission or clutch housing. Seat Support:

Some models have the tag attached to the inside of the left-hand seat support. Red Power Magazine If the plate is missing, check the engine block

. There is often a motor serial number embossed on a flat machined spot near the #1 spark plug (front of the engine). While it may not always match the chassis exactly, it usually corresponds closely. How to Read the Tables

International Harvester serial number tables, like those found on TractorData or specialized archives, typically list the starting serial number for each year. To find your tractor's year: Locate your model's table. Find where your number falls between two listed years. Your tractor belongs to the year of the

number. For example, if 1955 starts at 501 and 1956 starts at 20,219, a tractor with serial #15,000 was built in 1955. Example: International Cub Serial Number Table

The following table shows the starting serial numbers for the popular International Cub model. TM Tractor Parts Starting Serial Number Decoding Modern IH Numbers (Kind/Code System)

From the late 1960s until 1985, IH shifted to a "Kind/Code" format. A single line of text might look like 2590009U004452 Octane Press International Harvester Serial Number Plates | Octane Press 13 Mar 2018 —

International Harvester (IH) tractor serial numbers are used to identify the specific production year and manufacturing details of a machine. Because IH produced hundreds of models under various brands like Farmall, McCormick, and Case International, serial number tables are typically organized by specific model series. Common Starting Serial Numbers by Model

Serial number ranges vary significantly across models. For many early-to-mid 20th-century models, the serial number "501" frequently designated the first unit built in the first year of production. Starting Serial Number Case Model 10-18 Case Model 10-20 Farmall A, B, BN Farmall Cub Farmall 140 International 384 How to Decode IH Serial Number Tags

International Harvester transitioned through different identification systems over its history:

Early Tags: Older models often feature the model name on the top line and a simple numerical serial number below it.

Kind/Code System (Late 1960s–1985): IH adopted a "Kind/Code" format where the serial tag contains structured data about the machine's configuration.

Kind: The first three digits (e.g., 259) identifying the machine type.

Code: The next three digits (e.g., 009) identifying specific options. Country Code: A letter (e.g., "U" for USA).

Unit Number: The final digits representing the unique serial number of that specific unit. How to Use This Table

Case IH Era (Post-1985): Newer models often use a 17-character VIN-style serial number that includes manufacturer, plant codes, and model year indicators. Where to Find the Serial Number

If you are unable to find the serial number on the main identification plate, check these secondary locations: Identify Your Tractor (serial numbers) - TM Tractor Parts

The Ultimate Guide to International Harvester Tractor Serial Numbers

Decoding your International Harvester (IH) tractor’s serial number is more than just a hobby—it is essential for ordering the right parts, verifying authenticity, and determining your machine's exact age. Whether you are restoring a classic Farmall or maintaining a rugged International crawler, the serial number is your tractor's "birthday" certificate. Where to Find Your Serial Number

Unlike modern cars with standard VIN locations, IH tractor plates moved around depending on the model and year. Here is where to look:

Letter Series (A, B, C): Typically found on a metal tag on the left or right side of the seat support.

Cub Models: Usually stamped into an aluminum plate on the right side of the steering gear housing.

H & M Series and Later: Often located on the transmission housing or on a plate near the engine.

06 & Later Series: Usually found on the right side of the frame rail, often near the front axle or steps.

Pro Tip: If the plate is missing, check the engine block (typically above the oil filler tube) for a stamped number that often matches or closely follows the tractor’s serial series. Decoding the Kind/Code System

In the late 1960s, IH transitioned to a more complex "Kind/Code" format. A typical tag from this era looks like this: 2590009U004452.

Kind (First 3 digits): Identifies the general machine type (e.g., 259 for certain Farmall models).

Code (Next 3 digits): Specifies particular options or configurations. Country (The Letter): U stands for United States.

Serial Number (Final 4-6 digits): The actual sequential production number of your machine. Sample Serial Number Table

While lists vary by model, manufacturers typically used starting numbers for each production year. Below is an example of historical starting numbers for some early Case International Harvester models: Starting Serial Number Case Model 10-18 1918–1922 13285, 22223, 32841, 42256, 43943 Case Model 10-20 1915–1918 2842, 3691, 7492, 13285 Case 12-25 1914–1918 2496, 2842, 3691, 7492, 13285 Next Steps for Collectors Identify Your Tractor (serial numbers) - TM Tractor Parts


The Comprehensive International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table

Below are the most sought-after tables. Note that serial numbers began at 501 for most early models (excluding prototypes).